We decided that while we were in West Virginia, we should explore some of what the beautiful state offers. So we started in our backyard, following a trail through the woods behind the house to Wolf Creek. The creek was only about a mile away, so a nice walk without it being too strenuous. However, there was a bit of a challenge as we neared the stream, with the trail taking on a steep, slippery downward slope.  We rock-hopped across the creek and then turned right, following the water to a beautiful swimming hole.

The next day we went a little further, driving to Kanawha Falls (pronounced ka-nah) in Glen Ferris, West Virginia. The falls are just down the river from the Gauley Bridge, where the Gauley and New Rivers merge to create the Kanawha River. We planned a day of kayaking to explore the area. As we approached the water from the parking lot, I was delighted to see several waterfalls next to the hydroelectric plant.

We kayaked to an island in the middle of the river. We took our time relaxing on the beach, enjoying the beautiful river surrounding us. In front of us were more waterfalls. To our right was a cliff face towering above the river. It was a stunning view, and I would have been perfectly content to sit and enjoy it all day, but we had more exploring to do.

We jumped back into the kayak and started paddling toward the falls. We paddled to the falls directly across from us first. As we approached, the roar of the water was the only thing we could hear. We paddled out around the wake of pouring water to a rock overhang to get out of the sun for a few minutes. The quiet under the rock was peaceful compared to the raging waterfall.

Next, we headed into a horseshoe surrounded by waterfalls. The falls stretch across the 600-foot-wide river, dropping 15 feet. It was exciting to paddle into the choppy water at the apex of the three walls of water gushing around us.

We worked our way to the end of the falls, intending to leave the kayak and walk over the rocks to the horseshoe for a view from above. On the way, a giant fish suddenly leaped out of the water in front of us. I’m not sure what kind it was, but it was an exhilarating and intimidating moment.

After landing the kayak, we climbed the rocks to the top. The river was full and fast with all the rain during the week. We investigated fording the river but decided it was too swift to do so safely. So instead, we went back to the horseshoe area and watched the kids jump off the rocks into the water below. They had a blast.

Our return to the island was much easier as we were now going with the current. We drifted lazily along the river’s edge until it was time to cross back to the island. Again, we relaxed on shore while the kids swam to a rope swing further down. After they made the challenging swim against the current to return, we packed up and headed for home as the sun sank in the sky. It was a splendid way to spend a Sunday afternoon.